Hit-and-run driver left Tyler in agony

RECONSTRUCTIVE surgery... Tyler Gregory faces months of hospital treatment after being knocked down by a hit-and-run driver near his home in Belfield.

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A FATHER has described the horror of seeing his six-year-old boy mowed down by a hit-and-run driver.

Tyler Gregory is having to undergo plastic surgery for the severe leg injuries he sustained when he was hit by a van outside his Clover Hall Crescent, Belfield, home.

Making an emotional appeal for witnesses, his father Andrew described how the driver got out of his van when he ran over Tyler's leg but then drove away, leaving the boy 'screaming in agony.'

Father and son had just left a children's party and were crossing the road when the accident happened.

"I thought my lad was right behind me," said Mr Gregory. "But the next thing I heard was a screech and I saw Tyler in the middle of the road.

"The driver got out, put his hands on his head and said 'I've run over a kid.' But then he got back in the van and drove off.

"Tyler was screaming in agony - his leg was hanging off and he even had tyre marks running up the side of his ribs."

Neighbours rushed Tyler to Rochdale Infirmary and he was later transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital, where he has had to undergo three reconstructive operations.

Mr Gregory says the accident has had a devastating effect on the whole family, including Tyler's siblings, Bradley and Paige - aged two and eight respectively - and thinks his son, a Belfield Primary School pupil, has months of hospital treatment ahead of him.

"Tyler is in a bad way," he added. "I think he blames himself for running across the road.

"But I think the driver's pathetic - he knew he had run over Tyler but drove off. He shouldn't be driving if he has no respect for life. He needs locking up."

He added: "If people know anything I'd really like them to phone the police to help us catch this man."

PC Bob Simms urged anyone who could identify the driver of van to come forward and said: "This was a serious accident where a young child was severely injured. He was very lucky his injuries weren't a lot worse.

"We are appealing for any witnesses.

"We are doing all we can to catch the driver to make sure he does not offend again."